Big Ten Basketball Media Day - John Groce press conference

ctblaisdell83 · Oct 25, 2012, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucy727

I know I'm being shallow, but Tom Crean has really unfortunate hair.

Was he wearing the little round glasses?

Calvin · Oct 25, 2012, 12:47 PM

No offense to those who are drinking the kool-aid, but what I'm hearing is coach-speak. Understandably, this team needs to build confidence to have a chance in tough games, and Groce is going to need a lot of changes and buy-in. On top of that, the fans deserve this change, and we can use all the optimism we can get.

It all sounds great, but the proof is in the pudding. I'm gonna pray that what we see on the court is a team that goes 40 minutes, and gets back up when the other team knocks us down. A team that doesn't let up defensively. After the last few years, I'll be happy just to see some competitive ball from Illinois.

Dan · Oct 25, 2012, 01:04 PM

Full John Groce transcript, via Big Ten email.

THE MODERATOR: Our final Coach is Illinois head coach John Groce. He enters his first year with the Fighting Illini program, and he inherits nine letter winners from last year's team.

JOHN GROCE: Well, the biggest thing thus far is our players have been terrific from their effort, attitude, they're excited. It's been maybe as fun as any time I've been in coaching to go to practice. They're excited to be there, they're passionate, they want to learn, they have exceeded my expectations in that regard. That part has been really neat. Obviously the development of some of our guys from spring to fall as you're learning about your players is rapidly as we have, over the course of seven months, that part has been fun. Our staff has done a great job working with the kids and I have three position coaches that work with the position groups, so just the improvement that the guys have made in a short period of time has been exciting as well, so practice is going well. I feel like we're getting better every day, we have a long way to go, but we're going to keep working at it and let the chips fall.

Q. Can you talk about who you have seen improvement from? There were a lot of guys who didn't see a lot of playing time last year, so talk about who you have seen improvement from.

JOHN GROCE: The guy who's stood out the most is Nnanna Egwu. Nnanna made 20,000 shots on his own this summer, eight weeks of school. He's watching films, watching DVDs, you will see him early in the morning. Sometimes I will ask him if he wants the lights on, he is shooting in the dark, and he loves the game, can't get enough of it. I told him the other day, everything that you get -- the way he's playing right now, he played well the another night in our orange/blue scrimmage, "You've earned it." His attitude, his effort has been off the charts. I think Myke Henry has made a significant jump, he's been our leading rebounder in the scrimmage on Monday night. He’s a little bit undersized at 6-6, but as a knack for the ball. He's shot a high percentage, he picks up things quickly, so he's gotten better. I think Abrams and Brandon Paul understand more what we expect out of the point guard position, those guys have gotten better. Tracy Abrams is probably more natural, but Brandon is willing to listen and get better and balance playing that position as well as the two. We have asked him to make the sacrifice for this team because we feel like that's what we need, so those guys have gotten better. Joseph Bertrand is shooting over 50 percent from the three in practice, and he's not been known in the past as a jump shooter. He's worked hard and has been getting better. The one thing that's exceeded even our expectations is how hungry they've been, how excited they have been, how hard they work, how much they're in the gym. You love going to practice and coaching this team because they're hungry. That part has been neat and a lot of those guys I've just mentioned have improved over the course of the seven months since our staff has been at Champaign.

Q. Brandon Paul has been inconsistent over the last few years. What are you expecting out of him and how have you worked with him to find consistency in his game?

JOHN GROCE: I think the biggest thing is the mental side for him. People ask me what we expect out of him. He's a guy right now that I'm talking a lot to about making guys around him better. Who did you touch today? Who did you help today? Who did you help to get to play at a different, higher level, who are you helping? I think that's a big thing with him and the consistency piece you just hit on. I use the Pat Riley quote with him: "Coaches will take consistency over greatness any October 25, 2012 visit our archives at asapsports.com J. Groce - 10.25.12 2 day of the week." How do you do that? I think you do that by understanding every practice matters, every rep matters, every little thing that we do matters. That's how you become more consistent at what you do, and he's embraced that.. I've seen him embrace it at a higher level as we move forward, and I'm hoping that bodes well for him in terms of the consistency piece.

Q. How does your previous experience in the Big Ten as an assistant help you now?

JOHN GROCE: Well, it helps from the standpoint of the appreciation of the league. Obviously I think right now our league has great stability and continuity, a lot of players returning, we had a great year last year as a league. The depth of the league is maybe, you know, a little deeper than it was during my last tenure, if you will, in the Big Ten as an assistant or associate head coach. I think that makes it even more challenging. I think there is no question that having been in the league before certainly helps. I think the experience that I had at Ohio helps a lot as well, to be honest, going through that and understanding that it does take time, that the learning curve right now when I'm dealing with our 14 players from the standpoint of what they are trying to learn and what we're wanting to do, it's like having 14 freshmen, 14 new guys. Being patient, being more detailed and repeating things and understanding that repetition builds mastery and slowing things down for them, that experience helped me as much or more quite honestly than my previous stint in the league in terms of how we're handling this team.

THE MODERATOR: Thank you, Coach. Best of luck this year. FastScripts by ASAP Sports

FinalFour88 · Oct 25, 2012, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Calvin

No offense to those who are drinking the kool-aid, but what I'm hearing is coach-speak. Understandably, this team needs to build confidence to have a chance in tough games, and Groce is going to need a lot of changes and buy-in. On top of that, the fans deserve this change, and we can use all the optimism we can get.

It all sounds great, but the proof is in the pudding. I'm gonna pray that what we see on the court is a team that goes 40 minutes, and gets back up when the other team knocks us down. A team that doesn't let up defensively. After the last few years, I'll be happy just to see some competitive ball from Illinois.

True, there's a lot of coachspeak there, but I firmly believe that players take on the personality of the head coach. Weber always seemed to display a nervous, fearful of losing personality, and the team often played scared down the stretch. My hope is that the team now takes on Groce's confident personality.

rbachhuber · Oct 25, 2012, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctblaisdell83

Was he wearing the little round glasses?

:laugh::laugh::laugh:

Groundhogday · Oct 25, 2012, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

+1. Nice to know that the Head Coach and all the assistant's are actually on the same page and not telling players different things.

I think it really helps to have three of four coaches and two of the admin positions who have coached together previously. Parham is the only "new guy" who has to work into the mix. On the football side, Beckman's inability to bring over his Toledo offensive staff was a big setback.

FeelYourPaign · Oct 25, 2012, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Groundhogday

I think it really helps to have three of four coaches and two of the admin positions who have coached together previously. Parham is the only "new guy" who has to work into the mix. On the football side, Beckman's inability to bring over his Toledo offensive staff was a big setback.

Yes, there seem to be quite a few things that are diametrically opposed between the two programs / staffs . . . and (I hope) results are on that list of differences. Actually, I expect that to be a difference as well, not just hope. Not saying top 4 of the conference, but 6-7 is not pie in the sky, IMO.

Kramer116 · Oct 25, 2012, 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FinalFour88

True, there's a lot of coachspeak there, but I firmly believe that players take on the personality of the head coach. Weber always seemed to display a nervous, fearful of losing personality, and the team often played scared down the stretch. My hope is that the team now takes on Groce's confident personality.

One thing to take into account is Groce's personality.

He has the backing of some very influential Chicagoland AAU/HS coaches after a few months, whereas it took Weber years for some (if they supported him at all).

They are just completely different personalities. I constantly harp on it, but it's a big old school vs new school dynamic at play.

Mark Seifert · Oct 25, 2012, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheSecretWeapon

haha. Groce is the man. working the phone and drinking the coffee

Now that you mention it, haven't we seen a lot of pics with Groce carrying a big cup of coffee (there was one awhile back of him and the other coaches walking across campus that jumps to mind)?

And haven't there been posts here about forum members seeing him in Starbucks...?

Let's hope that Groce is indeed a closer. :laugh:

OrangeAndBlue217 · Oct 25, 2012, 02:26 PM

John Groce press video

mattcoldagelli · Oct 25, 2012, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FinalFour88

True, there's a lot of coachspeak there

Find me a preseason media day that doesn't consist of about 90% coachspeak, though.

Illiniwek06 · Oct 25, 2012, 03:02 PM

http://www.chicagotribune.com/videog...e-expectations

FeelYourPaign · Oct 25, 2012, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattcoldagelli

Find me a preseason media day that doesn't consist of about 90% coachspeak, though.

Egg-zactly !

WashUIllini · Oct 25, 2012, 03:04 PM

DJ needs to tuck that tie in and get some more tapered pants like BP3.

Enough of the style rant I'm pumped for games. Got tickets to the Lewis game Saturday!

MitchFromAtwood · Oct 25, 2012, 03:10 PM

I would love to have seen Groce one punch Dakich... that guy is a pure Illinois hater. Showed his true colors (opinions) during last year's Ohio State game if anyone can remember that.

Foo G · Oct 25, 2012, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illiniwek06

http://www.chicagotribune.com/videog...e-expectations

Climate scientists urge protection of coastal ecosystems.
Who knew Illinois basketball was so important globally?

The reporter sounds like Bruce Weber.

Illiniwek06 · Oct 25, 2012, 03:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foo G

Climate scientists urge protection of coastal ecosystems.
Who knew Illinois basketball was so important globally?

The reporter sounds like Bruce Weber.

Haha, I thought the exact same thing!

Orangetool · Oct 25, 2012, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrooksTaylorFan

It's just nice to hear an Illini press conference without hearing the word "mollycoddle". I wonder if Groce likes Purdue's players too? :laugh:

Ouch! Poor Webbie.

trevdv · Oct 25, 2012, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MitchFromAtwood

I would love to have seen Groce one punch Dakich... that guy is a pure Illinois hater. Showed his true colors (opinions) during last year's Ohio State game if anyone can remember that.

I was at the game, never really watched the game in its entirety on TV; was he ripping on us?

Dan · Oct 25, 2012, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Basketball media day: What we learned

After Indiana, the most popular figure was first-year Illinois coach John Groce, who was late to the open portion of the media gathering because he was doing spots with the BTN, Sirius XM radio, ESPN and other national outlets. At his table, he was answering questions to a full house for the duration of the event. "John has a big personality, he's certainly high energy, he's basketball all the time," Dakich said. "In terms of coaching, he's shown what he can do. I think that he's absolutely the guy for them."

Marcus Jackson

Nigel · Oct 25, 2012, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trevdv

I was at the game, never really watched the game in its entirety on TV; was he ripping on us?

I've watched it probably 3 times, and I don't remember anything like that. I've never had a problem with what Dakich has said about Illinois.

UIUC2008 · Oct 25, 2012, 04:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nigel

I've watched it probably 3 times, and I don't remember anything like that. I've never had a problem with what Dakich has said about Illinois.

Yeah, I've always liked Dakich despite his Indiana allegiance. I've criticized him the most for his Trey Lyle debacle, but I usually think his in game analysis is spot on. I recall him really praising and constructively criticizing Leonard in a game. It was the criticism which implied how good he was and what he needed to work on heading into the Draft.

IIRC, He's also been praising the Groce hire since day 1.

JimmyChitwood · Oct 25, 2012, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Illiniwek06

http://www.chicagotribune.com/videog...e-expectations

Groce makes a good point in this vid. Talking about how it's going to take effort from everyone to get us back and I agree. This guy just might awaken the sleeping giant....finally.

Illini70math · Oct 25, 2012, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UIUC2008

Yeah, I've always liked Dakich despite his Indiana allegiance. I've criticized him the most for his Trey Lyle debacle, but I usually think his in game analysis is spot on. I recall him really praising and constructively criticizing Leonard in a game. It was the criticism which implied how good he was and what he needed to work on heading into the Draft.

IIRC, He's also been praising the Groce hire since day 1.

Nah. DD is a hater.

"John has a big personality, he's certainly high energy, he's basketball all the time," Dakich said. "In terms of coaching, he's shown what he can do. I think that he's absolutely the guy for them."

The key, of course, is to read between the lines (or behind the lines if that's easier) for what he means by "...he's absolutely the guy for them."

BoolahBoolah · Oct 25, 2012, 09:06 PM

Who designed Thad Matta & DJ's suit pants, Ced The Entertainer?

Oct 25, 2012, 01:04 PM	#53
Dan Admin Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 25,886	Full John Groce transcript, via Big Ten email. THE MODERATOR: Our final Coach is Illinois head coach John Groce. He enters his first year with the Fighting Illini program, and he inherits nine letter winners from last year's team. JOHN GROCE: Well, the biggest thing thus far is our players have been terrific from their effort, attitude, they're excited. It's been maybe as fun as any time I've been in coaching to go to practice. They're excited to be there, they're passionate, they want to learn, they have exceeded my expectations in that regard. That part has been really neat. Obviously the development of some of our guys from spring to fall as you're learning about your players is rapidly as we have, over the course of seven months, that part has been fun. Our staff has done a great job working with the kids and I have three position coaches that work with the position groups, so just the improvement that the guys have made in a short period of time has been exciting as well, so practice is going well. I feel like we're getting better every day, we have a long way to go, but we're going to keep working at it and let the chips fall. Q. Can you talk about who you have seen improvement from? There were a lot of guys who didn't see a lot of playing time last year, so talk about who you have seen improvement from. JOHN GROCE: The guy who's stood out the most is Nnanna Egwu. Nnanna made 20,000 shots on his own this summer, eight weeks of school. He's watching films, watching DVDs, you will see him early in the morning. Sometimes I will ask him if he wants the lights on, he is shooting in the dark, and he loves the game, can't get enough of it. I told him the other day, everything that you get -- the way he's playing right now, he played well the another night in our orange/blue scrimmage, "You've earned it." His attitude, his effort has been off the charts. I think Myke Henry has made a significant jump, he's been our leading rebounder in the scrimmage on Monday night. He’s a little bit undersized at 6-6, but as a knack for the ball. He's shot a high percentage, he picks up things quickly, so he's gotten better. I think Abrams and Brandon Paul understand more what we expect out of the point guard position, those guys have gotten better. Tracy Abrams is probably more natural, but Brandon is willing to listen and get better and balance playing that position as well as the two. We have asked him to make the sacrifice for this team because we feel like that's what we need, so those guys have gotten better. Joseph Bertrand is shooting over 50 percent from the three in practice, and he's not been known in the past as a jump shooter. He's worked hard and has been getting better. The one thing that's exceeded even our expectations is how hungry they've been, how excited they have been, how hard they work, how much they're in the gym. You love going to practice and coaching this team because they're hungry. That part has been neat and a lot of those guys I've just mentioned have improved over the course of the seven months since our staff has been at Champaign. Q. Brandon Paul has been inconsistent over the last few years. What are you expecting out of him and how have you worked with him to find consistency in his game? JOHN GROCE: I think the biggest thing is the mental side for him. People ask me what we expect out of him. He's a guy right now that I'm talking a lot to about making guys around him better. Who did you touch today? Who did you help today? Who did you help to get to play at a different, higher level, who are you helping? I think that's a big thing with him and the consistency piece you just hit on. I use the Pat Riley quote with him: "Coaches will take consistency over greatness any October 25, 2012 visit our archives at asapsports.com J. Groce - 10.25.12 2 day of the week." How do you do that? I think you do that by understanding every practice matters, every rep matters, every little thing that we do matters. That's how you become more consistent at what you do, and he's embraced that.. I've seen him embrace it at a higher level as we move forward, and I'm hoping that bodes well for him in terms of the consistency piece. Q. How does your previous experience in the Big Ten as an assistant help you now? JOHN GROCE: Well, it helps from the standpoint of the appreciation of the league. Obviously I think right now our league has great stability and continuity, a lot of players returning, we had a great year last year as a league. The depth of the league is maybe, you know, a little deeper than it was during my last tenure, if you will, in the Big Ten as an assistant or associate head coach. I think that makes it even more challenging. I think there is no question that having been in the league before certainly helps. I think the experience that I had at Ohio helps a lot as well, to be honest, going through that and understanding that it does take time, that the learning curve right now when I'm dealing with our 14 players from the standpoint of what they are trying to learn and what we're wanting to do, it's like having 14 freshmen, 14 new guys. Being patient, being more detailed and repeating things and understanding that repetition builds mastery and slowing things down for them, that experience helped me as much or more quite honestly than my previous stint in the league in terms of how we're handling this team. THE MODERATOR: Thank you, Coach. Best of luck this year. FastScripts by ASAP Sports Last edited by Dan; Oct 26, 2012 at 06:46 AM.

Oct 25, 2012, 02:26 PM	#60
OrangeAndBlue217 Location: Decatur, IL Posts: 1,694	John Groce press video Last edited by Dan; Oct 25, 2012 at 02:43 PM.

Oct 25, 2012, 12:47 PM	#52
Calvin Posts: 1,606	No offense to those who are drinking the kool-aid, but what I'm hearing is coach-speak. Understandably, this team needs to build confidence to have a chance in tough games, and Groce is going to need a lot of changes and buy-in. On top of that, the fans deserve this change, and we can use all the optimism we can get. It all sounds great, but the proof is in the pudding. I'm gonna pray that what we see on the court is a team that goes 40 minutes, and gets back up when the other team knocks us down. A team that doesn't let up defensively. After the last few years, I'll be happy just to see some competitive ball from Illinois.

Oct 25, 2012, 03:02 PM	#62
Illiniwek06 Location: N of I-80 Posts: 972	http://www.chicagotribune.com/videog...e-expectations

Oct 25, 2012, 03:04 PM	#64
WashUIllini Posts: 98	DJ needs to tuck that tie in and get some more tapered pants like BP3. Enough of the style rant I'm pumped for games. Got tickets to the Lewis game Saturday!

Oct 25, 2012, 03:10 PM	#65
MitchFromAtwood Location: Newman, IL Posts: 136	I would love to have seen Groce one punch Dakich... that guy is a pure Illinois hater. Showed his true colors (opinions) during last year's Ohio State game if anyone can remember that.

Oct 25, 2012, 09:06 PM	#75
BoolahBoolah Location: The Orient Posts: 383	Who designed Thad Matta & DJ's suit pants, Ced The Entertainer?